The public on Saturday will get its first up-close look at the new $28 million cruise ship terminal at Broadway Pier, which is being transformed into an old-fashioned amusement park to commemorate the Port Pavilion.

The 52,000-square-foot facility is designed to do double duty as both an auxiliary cruise ship terminal and a public events space.

The San Diego Unified Port District pushed for the new terminal, saying it was needed to attract more cruise business while augmenting the existing terminal at the B Street Pier.

At the celebration Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., a Ferris wheel, giant octopus ride and other carnival attractions will be on the pier and open to the public at no charge.

The festivities, which will continue throughout the day,will include musical entertainment, food, ship tours, maritime exhibits, tours of the building, and a traditional Native American blessing of the Port Pavilion by the Viejas Band of the Kumeyaay Indians. There will even be a shark tank courtesy of the Chula Vista Nature Center.

The day's events will culminate with the official dedication of the pavilion at 4 p.m.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Port Commission Chairman Robert "Dukie" Valderrama and Port Commissioner Michael Bixler will be among those helping christen the new building.

The ceremony will conclude with the official lighting of the public art element of the building, a light installation by New York-based artist Leni Schwendinger.

Those attending the event are encouraged to take public transportation. In addition, the Port is providing a free shuttle that will run from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will leave from Seaport Village Old Town Trolley stop across from the Harbor House Restaurant. There also will be pickups at the Old Town Trolley stops at 500 Kettner Blvd. and Horton Plaza in front of Ambercrombie & Fitch on Broadway Circle. The shuttle will run every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

On Sunday, the Broadway Pier will open at 1 p.m., and the public will have a chance to enjoy the Ferris wheel and other amusement rides until 5 p.m.

Sunday evening, the Port will provide special grandstand seating for the public to watch the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, which will start at 5:30 p.m. Although the pier will be open, the Port Pavilion will be closed.